Are you dreaming of working abroad but struggling to secure a job offer before moving? Many countries now offer job seeker visas, allowing skilled professionals to relocate first and find a job later. These visas give you temporary residence while you search for employment, providing a gateway to work permits and long-term residency.
If you’re looking for opportunities to work and live abroad, here are 9 countries that grant job seeker visas without requiring a job offer.
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1. Germany – Europe’s Most Popular Job Seeker Visa
Why Choose Germany?
Germany is one of the top destinations for skilled workers, with a strong economy and high demand for professionals in engineering, IT, healthcare, and finance. The German Job Seeker Visa allows you to stay for up to 6 months while searching for a job.
Eligibility & Requirements:
✔️ Bachelor’s or Master’s degree (recognized by Germany)
✔️ Minimum 5 years of work experience
✔️ Proof of sufficient funds (€947 per month)
✔️ Valid health insurance
Post-Job Seeker Visa Pathway
Once you secure a job, you can apply for an EU Blue Card or a German work visa, leading to permanent residency in 33 months (or 21 months with language proficiency).
Processing Time & Cost
📌 Processing Time: 4-6 weeks
📌 Visa Fee: €75
2. Portugal – New Job Seeker Visa with Residency Pathway
Why Choose Portugal?
Portugal introduced its Job Seeker Visa in 2022, allowing foreigners to stay for 120 days (extendable by 60 days) while job hunting. This visa is ideal for those interested in working in tech, tourism, healthcare, and finance.
Eligibility & Requirements:
✔️ Proof of financial means (~€2,280 for 4 months)
✔️ Health insurance coverage
✔️ Return flight ticket (as proof of intention to leave if no job is found)
Post-Job Seeker Visa Pathway
After securing employment, you can apply for a Portuguese work visa and later gain permanent residency and citizenship after 5 years.
Processing Time & Cost
📌 Processing Time: 8-12 weeks
📌 Visa Fee: €90
3. Austria – A Job Seeker Visa for Highly Skilled Professionals
Why Choose Austria?
Austria offers a 6-month Job Seeker Visa under its Red-White-Red Card program, specifically for highly skilled professionals in fields like engineering, IT, healthcare, and sciences.
Eligibility & Requirements:
✔️ Minimum 70 points on Austria’s skills assessment system
✔️ University degree in high-demand fields
✔️ Proof of financial resources (~€1,200 per month)
✔️ Health insurance
Post-Job Seeker Visa Pathway
Once you secure employment, you can apply for the Red-White-Red Card, which grants a 2-year work and residence permit.
Processing Time & Cost
📌 Processing Time: 4-8 weeks
📌 Visa Fee: €150
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4. Sweden – Job Seeker Visa with a 9-Month Stay
Why Choose Sweden?
Sweden offers a Job Seeker Visa for highly qualified individuals, allowing them to stay for 3-9 months while searching for a job.
Eligibility & Requirements:
✔️ Master’s degree or higher (from an accredited institution)
✔️ Proof of financial means (~SEK 13,000 per month)
✔️ Valid health insurance
Post-Job Seeker Visa Pathway
After securing a job, you can apply for a Swedish work permit, leading to permanent residency in 4 years.
Processing Time & Cost
📌 Processing Time: 2-3 months
📌 Visa Fee: SEK 2,200 (~€200)
5. UAE – A Growing Hub for Job Seekers
Why Choose UAE?
The UAE recently launched a Job Seeker Visa to attract skilled professionals. This visa allows you to stay for 60, 90, or 120 days while searching for a job in sectors like finance, IT, healthcare, and tourism.
Eligibility & Requirements:
✔️ Bachelor’s degree or diploma
✔️ Financial proof (varies by stay duration)
✔️ Health insurance
Post-Job Seeker Visa Pathway
Once you get a job, your employer will sponsor your work visa, which can lead to long-term residency under the UAE Golden Visa program.
Processing Time & Cost
📌 Processing Time: 2-3 weeks
📌 Visa Fee: AED 1,000–1,650
6. Finland – Job Seeker Visa for Skilled Workers
Why Choose Finland?
Finland offers a Job Seeker Visa allowing skilled workers to stay for 3-6 months to find employment.
Eligibility & Requirements:
✔️ Bachelor’s degree in STEM, healthcare, or finance
✔️ Proof of financial means (~€1,000 per month)
✔️ Health insurance
Processing Time & Cost
📌 Processing Time: 4-6 weeks
📌 Visa Fee: €350
7. Lithuania – Easy Entry for Skilled Professionals
Why Choose Lithuania?
Lithuania’s Job Seeker Visa allows you to stay for 6 months while searching for employment. It is an excellent option for IT, engineering, and business professionals.
Eligibility & Requirements:
✔️ Higher education degree
✔️ Financial proof (~€500 per month)
✔️ Health insurance
Processing Time & Cost
📌 Processing Time: 6-8 weeks
📌 Visa Fee: €120
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8. South Korea – A Unique Job Seeker Visa Option
Why Choose South Korea?
South Korea offers an D-10 Job Seeker Visa, allowing professionals to search for jobs for up to 6 months.
Eligibility & Requirements:
✔️ Bachelor’s degree
✔️ Financial proof (~$10,000)
✔️ Work experience in skilled fields
Processing Time & Cost
📌 Processing Time: 3-6 weeks
📌 Visa Fee: $80–$100
9. Norway – Work in One of the World’s Happiest Countries
Why Choose Norway?
Norway offers a Job Seeker Visa for skilled workers to search for employment in engineering, IT, and healthcare.
Eligibility & Requirements:
✔️ Recognized degree
✔️ Financial proof (~€2,000 per month)
✔️ Health insurance
Processing Time & Cost
📌 Processing Time: 6-8 weeks
📌 Visa Fee: €600
Conclusion: The Best Job Seeker Visa Destinations
If you’re looking to work abroad without a job offer, these 9 countries provide excellent opportunities to relocate, search for jobs, and secure work visas.
With the right preparation, these job seeker visas can be your gateway to working and living abroad!
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